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Capital Projects Update. (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the Linden Avenue Park Project, Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Project, Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement Project and Centennial Trail Park North Project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Linden Park Project Update pk2305)
Following City Council's award of the construction contract to Azul Works, Inc. in April 2026, the City celebrated the groundbreaking of the Linden Park Project on May 8, 2026. The event was well attended by community members, project stakeholders, and funding partners, including Congressman Kevin Mullin and California State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer.
Construction activities began in June 2026. Prior to mobilization, nearby residents and businesses received construction notices describing Phase 1 work, anticipated traffic impacts, and contact information for the contractor and construction management team. Construction signage containing project information and contact details was also installed at the site.
Phase 1 construction focuses on installation of the Pine Avenue Bypass Road, allowing Pine Avenue to remain open during the initial stages of construction.
Construction notices were distributed in early July 2026. Phase 2A included installation of construction fencing around the 700 Linden parcel and the remaining portions of the 616 Linden parcel. Pine Avenue and adjacent sidewalks remain open during this phase while demolition of the existing parking lot, site clearing, and tree removal are underway.
Upon completion of the Pine Avenue Bypass Road, traffic will be shifted onto the new roadway and Phase 2 construction will begin. This phase will require closure of Pine Avenue within the project limits while maintaining pedestrian access along the Linden Avenue sidewalk adjacent to the project site. A temporary sidewalk closure will occur later in construction when the existing sidewalk is replaced.
Construction remains on schedule with park completion anticipated in early 2027.
Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center (pk2310)
Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to make significant progress, with substantial advancements occurring throughout both the interior and exterior of the facility.
Interior work includes installation of drywall, wall tile, lockers, millwork, flooring, suspended ceilings, lighting fixtures, and interior finishes. Exterior improvements are also nearing completion, including installation of the architectural metal cladding, wood siding, exterior pool screening, and mechanical equipment screening.
Installation of synthetic turf at the outdoor pool area has been completed, along with the electronic scoreboard. Installation of concrete pedestrian pathways around the perimeter of the facility is underway.
Construction trailers have been removed from the site, allowing grading, drainage improvements, and installation of the lawn area between the aquatic center and Colma Creek to proceed.
A significant project milestone was achieved with PG&E's issuance of the facility's permanent power "green tag," allowing final utility connections to move forward.
Construction of the trash enclosure required temporary closures of the Tennis Drive parking lot. An additional temporary closure will be necessary later this summer to complete the enclosure and reconstruct the surrounding pavement.
While the project schedule has been extended, staff continues to work closely with the construction manager and contractor to finalize the recovery schedule and refine the forecast for closure of the existing Orange Pool. Completion of Phase 1 is currently anticipated in early fall 2026.
Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement (pk2301)
The Orange Memorial Park Main Playground, located adjacent to the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building, was originally constructed in approximately 2011 and has served as one of the City's most heavily used playgrounds for more than a decade.
With the playground equipment and safety surfacing nearing the end of their useful life, the City is initiating a complete replacement of the facility with a modern, universally accessible, all-abilities playground designed to serve children of all ages and abilities while reflecting the values and diversity of the South San Francisco community.
The new playground will occupy the existing footprint and complement the adjacent Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center currently under construction. Planned improvements include accessible play structures, sensory and interactive play elements, adaptive equipment, ADA-compliant surfacing and pathways, seating areas, gathering spaces, and integrated landscape improvements. Existing nearby restroom facilities are sufficient to support the new playground; therefore, no additional restroom construction is proposed.
The project budget is $6 million, funded through Measure W Bond proceeds and the Park Land Construction Fund.
As the initial phase of project delivery, the City procured Owner's Representative/Construction Management services. Following a competitive solicitation that generated nine proposals, the City selected 4LEAF, Inc. based on its qualifications and overall evaluation ranking. Since contract execution in early 2026, 4LEAF has assisted staff in refining the project scope, budget, schedule, and procurement strategy.
To streamline consultant selection while remaining within administrative contracting authority, the City will utilize its pre-qualified Architecture and Engineering On-Call Consultant List through a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process. A Request for Proposals will be issued to on-call landscape architecture firms, with the selected consultant serving as the prime consultant supported by a multidisciplinary design team.
Proposal evaluations will place particular emphasis on:
• Demonstrated experience designing universally accessible, all-abilities playgrounds, including inclusive play equipment, accessible surfacing, ADA compliance, and engagement with disability-focused stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success leading inclusive, multilingual community engagement efforts that effectively reach South San Francisco's diverse population.
The Request for Proposals will be released in July 2026, with consultant selection anticipated later this summer.
An extensive community engagement program will guide development of the playground design and ensure the project reflects community priorities. The selected consultant will facilitate three public open houses focused on Visioning, Design Alternatives, and Preferred Design and supported by online and paper surveys, pop-up outreach events, and stakeholder meetings.
Additional targeted outreach will engage disability advocacy organizations, adaptive recreation providers, special education programs, Parks and Recreation Commission, Cultural Arts Commission, key community stakeholders, and the City Council to ensure the final design reflects the needs of children and families of all abilities.
Centennial Trail Park North Project (pk2302)
Funded through a combination of federal grant funding and City resources, the Centennial Trail Park North Project will create a new neighborhood park along the Centennial Way Trail near the intersection of Mission Road and Sequoia Road.
Planned improvements include:
• Outdoor classroom
• Children's playground
• Lawn and passive recreation areas
• Skate features
• Widening of the Centennial Way Trail
• Enhanced trail lighting
• Potential pedestrian connection from Mission Road
These improvements build upon concepts identified in the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan, most recently updated in 2025.
The project site is located on Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) property, where the City maintains a license agreement authorizing the design, construction, and maintenance of park improvements. Final construction documents will require review and approval by both BART and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) prior to permit issuance.
Using the City's On-Call Consultant Program, staff retained Zoon Engineering, Inc. to provide construction management services and Callander Associates to provide community engagement, planning, and design services.
The project team will officially begin the design phase with a stakeholder coordination meeting involving BART, PG&E, and Kaiser Permanente in mid-July.
The first of three community workshops is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. along the Centennial Way Trail near the South San Francisco BART Station. Community engagement will also include online and paper surveys, stakeholder meetings, and presentation of a preferred concept plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission in early 2027.